To Do in RI: The Trials of Elleanor Eldridge, a one-woman show. Two performances.

Stages of Freedom and the Ely Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative present an exciting one-woman show based on the trials of Elleanor Eldridge, a 19th century Black Rhode Island woman whose property was stolen from her.

Two performances in Providence occur on Wednesday, September 10th at 12:15pm at Market Place, corner of College and North Main Streets, and Thursday, September 11th at 5:30pm at Prospect Terrace, 60 Congdon Street.

The event is Free and open to the public.

The one-woman show, written and performed by Wanda Schell and directed by Robb Dimmick, explores the deftness with which Elleanor Eldridge (1794-1845), an accomplished, industrious business woman who owned property in Providence, navigated the legal system to regain her home, stolen by an unscrupulous white man when she was absent during an illness.

Eldridge was the first Rhode Island African American woman to represent herself in a court of law. She published her memoir in 1838 to help cover court costs.

The show is funded by an Ely Neighborhood Performing Arts grant, the City of Providence, Providence Parks, and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.